Yarn-advancing reel



@ich EL 94?. R, w, STONE 2429,534

YARN-ADVANCING REEL Filed Feb. v6, 1946 S-Sheets-Sheet l w wy i N l V 4 /M n i E f i Z s 1 V l 2 ,u l f 0 Q n if@ e g i 1o Z f s 2 95 g N uw s i 5F e i g Q 5 k w S n@ W f QQ g :la

Q O n s -g- Nv-grs l A INVENTOR. ROBERT N Sra/vs TTORNE Y c. 2li, 1947.

R. w. STONE 2,429,534

YARN-ADVANCING REEL Filed Feb. 6, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,f INVENTOR.

@05E/w W STONE R. W. STONE ct 2i, E947.

YARN- ADVANGING REEL Filed Feb. 6, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 N VEN TOR.

, ATTORNEY' Patented Oct. 21, 1947` YARN-ADVANCING REEL Robert W. Stone, Richmond, Va., assignor to E. I.

du Pont de Nemours & Company, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application February 6, 1946, Serial No. 645,718

7 Claims. (Cl. 28-71.6)

This invention relates to yarn-advancing apparatus, and more particularly to a yarn-advancing. reel in which the yarn is continuously and progressively advanced in the form of a helix.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved yarn-advancing reel for continuously advancing yarn in the form of a helix.

Another object of this invention is to provide a yarn-advancing reel wherein the critical working parts are easily and completely enclosed in a rigid casing.

Other and additional objects will become apparent hereinafter.

The rbjects of this invention are accomplished, in general, by winding yarn in the form of a helix onto a reel having two sets of yarn-supporting vbars rotating about the central axis of the reel, the bars of one set being xed with respect to axial and radial movement and disposed a1- ternately between the bars of the other set which are movable radially and axially of the reel, and imparting radial in-and-out motion and axial reciprocation to the movable bars at predetermined times whereby the yarn is continuously and smoothly advanced over the reel. n

Each movable yarn-supporting bar is carried on a bar support which is, in turn, operatively connected to the means for imparting the radial and axial movements thereto. In one embodiment of the invention, two or more radial rods are attached at their outer ends to the bar support. At their inner ends, the rods cooperate with a cam mechanism whereby the rods are given the radial movement and also a rotary movement about the respective'longitudinal axis thereof. The radial movement of the rods is transmitted to the respective bar support. The rotary movement of the rods, due to the manthe other half of the reel. The cam surfaces are I so shaped that at the point where the fixed and movable bars are in neutral position, i. e. same radial distance from the reel axis,A there isl no axial movement of the movable bars but, as the movable bars are successively retracted from this point, they are caused to move axially in the direction opposite to the direction of the yarn advancement over the reel. This axial movement continues until the movable bars again reach the neutral position on `the opposite side of the reel.

derstood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section of a yarn-advancing reel, with parts removed 'for t clarity, constructed in accordance Withth'e invention; A

Figure 2 is a section taken on'th Figure 1;

ner in which the rods are attached to the retacts the fixed bars in a zone constituting approximately one-half of the reel While resting on the movable bars in a zone constituting approximately the other half of the reel. Due to the cam mechanism cooperating with the radial rods and the manner of attaching the rods to the bar` I supports, the movable bars are caused to succes` sively recede radially on approximately one-half of the reel and expand radially on approximately Figure 3 is a section taken on theline` 3-3 of Figure 1; and j Figure 4 is a top plan view of a movable yarnsupporting bar and appurtenant elements thereto.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate like parts, the reference numeral ID designates the main shaft of the reel and is` rotatably supported adjacent its outer ends in outboard bearings l2 and I4 appropriately mounted in the machine. An end plate I6 is positioned on a sleeve I8 which, in turn, is disposed on the shaft I0. A set screw 20 secures the end plate I6 and sleeve I8 together and to the shaft I0. Another end plate 22, disposed in spaced relationship to end plate I6, is secured to a sleeve 24 by a set screw 26. The sleeve 24 is rotatably mountedwith respect to the shaft I0, aswillhereafterappear. l

A set of yam-supporting bars 30, arranged circumferentially and in equidistantly spaced relationship, are xedly secured to the end plates I6 and 22. In the form shown, each fixed bar 30 extends longitudinally of the reel and is parallel to the major axis of the reel.

The drives for shaft I8 and end plate 22 are by equal gears meshed into one common drive, so that there will be no distortion of the assembly. As shown in Figure 1, a gear 34 secured to a shaft 36, which is driven from any suitable source (not shown), drives a gear 38 which is secured by a set screw 48 to the shaft I8, whereby rotary motion is imparted to the shaft I8. Since the end plate I6 is secured to the shaft I8, it will rotate therewith. The end plate 22 is provided with a gear 44 which is Adriven by a gear 46 also carried on shaft 36, whereby end plate 22 is rotated about the center axis of the reel, the rate of rotation of end plate I6 and end plate 22 being the same.

Each of the end plates I6and 22 are provided with equidistantly spaced slots 48 and 58 respectively. The slots on each end Plate are equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the rspective end plate and are arranged so that each slot 48 will be in alignment with a corresponding slot 58. The aligned pairs of slots are alter` nately arranged with respect to the xed bars 38;

A bar 52 is positioned in each pair of aligned slots 48 and 58, whereby there will be provided a set of 4bars 52 in alternate spaced relationship with respect to the fixed bars 38. The slots 48 and 58 are of such dimensions as to permit each bar 52 disposed therein to move axially and radially of the reel. Each bar 52 is disposed on the horizontal leg 54 and secured by screws 56 to the vertical member 58 of a substantially inverted, T-shaped support. The bar support extends longitudinally of the reel and terminates in advance of the ends of the bars 52 so that it will not interfere with the movements of the bars 52 in the slots 48 and 58.

As will now be explained, radial in-and-out movement and axial movement are imparted to each of the respective bar supports and, since a bar 52 is secured to each support, such movements will be imparted thereto. Hence, the bars 52 are designated as "movable bars.

The radial and axial movements are imparted to each movable bar 52 by means of radial rods 68. In the form shown in Figure 1, two radial rods 68, arranged in spaced relationship, cooperate with each movable bar support.

Each rod 68 is secured at the outer end thereof, as by a key 62, to a crank arm 64 which is disposed parallel to the yarn bar support and at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof. Each movable bar support is preferably seated on the pair of cranii arms 64. For reasons which will become apparent, each crank arm 64 is provided with a slot 66. As shown in Figure 2, a headed crank pin 68 extends through the slot and is threadedly secured in the horizontal leg 54 of the movable bar support.

Each radial rod 68 is provided at its inner end with a cam follower 18 which is off-set with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod 68. In other words, the cam follower 18 is secured to the radial arm. The cam follower cooperates with a cam 14 which is so shaped that at predetermined times the rod 68 will be moved radially outwardly and inwardly, thus imparting such radial movements to the crank arm 64 on which the bar support rests, and hence to the yarn bar carried by said support. The cam 14 is also so shaped that, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1, the faces thereof impart a sidewise movement to the cam follower whereby the rod 68 will be rotated about its central axis at predetermined times as the rod is moved up and down. Due

to the dotted crank arm s4 and the crank pin into rectilinear movement which will axially move' the movable bar support, and hence the movable bar 52 will be axially moved.

As shown in Figure 1, a separate cam 14 is provided to cooperate with each of the respective pairs of rods 68 attached to a movable yarn support.

Each of the cams 14 is secured to a sleeve 16,

rotatably disposed on the shaft I8, by set screws 18. A gear 88 flxedly mounted on a shaft 82, which is driven in any suitable manner by means not shown, drives a gear 84 which is secured in any convenient manner, as by a, set screw 86, to the sleeve 16. It is thus apparent that upon rotation of the sleeve 16 in any desired direction, the cams will be rotated about the central axis of the shaft I8. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cams 14 are rotated at a. slower speed than the end'plates and in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the end plates.

Each radial rod 60 is slidably and rotatably mounted in a bearing 88 and a gland 98. The bearings 88 are provided in an inner rigid supporting cylinder 92 which is appropriately secured at its opposite ends to the respective end plates. 'I'he glands 98 are provided in an outer casing 94 which, at its opposite ends, is also appropriately secured to the respective end plates I6 and 22. The inner casing 92 and the outer casing 94 are spaced from each other, and the inner casing is in close proximity to the cams 14 while the outer casing is in close proximity to the movable bar supports, it of course being understood that the position of the outer casing 94 is such that it will not interfere with, the radial movement of the movable bar supports.

From the description thus far, it is apparent that upon rotation of the reel, the bars 38 will be moved in a circular path about the central axis of the main reel shaft I8 but will be fixed with respect to any radial or axial movements, while bars 52 will be movable not only in a circular path about the central axis of the main reel shaft I8 but also radially inwardly and outwardly as Well' as axially relative to the central axis of the main reel shaft I8. Due to their respective movements, bars 38 are herein called "fixed bars, while bars 52 are called movable bars.

In the form shown in Figure 2, the yarn-com tacting surface of the fixed bars 38 and movable bars 52 are, though not necessarily, of different shapes. The yarn-contacting portion of each of the fixed bars 38 consists of two spaced semicylindrical projections 96 extending longitudinally of the bar. 'I'he yarn-contacting surface of the movable bar 52 is rounded.

The driving mechanism is enclosed in a. housing, generally designated by the reference numeral |88. Y if In operation, the shaft I8 is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the sleeve 16, and the end plates I6 and 22 are rotated at a faster speed than the cams 14 which rotate in the direction opposite to that of the end plates. The yarn is wrapped around the reel in a. helix. Due to the shapes of the cams 14, hereinbefore described, when a. yarn is wrapped around the reel it contacts the fixed bars 38 in approximately one-half of the reel while resting on the movable bars 52 in approximately the other half of the reel. As shown in Figure 2, the yarn rests on the movable bars 52 in the zone designated by the reference character A and is in contact with the ilxed bars 30 in the zone designated by the reference character B. The yarn is also in contact with both the fixed and movable bars in the zones designated by the reference .characters C and D, hereinafter called "neutral zones." vIn other words, the movable bars 52 are in radially expanded position in zone A and in radially receded position in zone B. During operation, due to the cooperation of the cams 14 and the cam followers 10, the movable bars 52 are caused to move from the radially expanded position (yarn-contacting position) in zone vA to the radially receded position (out of yarncontacting position) in zone B. The movable bars 52, in passing from zone A to zone B, pass through neutral zone C wherein the movable bars 52 are the same radial distance from the reel axis as the fixed bars 30, and both bars carry the yarn. The shape of the cams 'i4 which control the axial movement of the movable bars 52 is such that when the xed and movable bars are the same radial distance from the center of the axis as in zone C, the movable bars 52 are not moved axially. However, as the -bars pass from the neutral zone C to zone B and movable bars recede radially, the cams 14 are of such shape as to cause the movable bars 52 to move axially in f a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the yarn over the reel. Upon leaving zone B, the fixed and movable bars move into neutral zone D where the xed and movable bars are the same distance from the axis and wherein the movable bars are not moved axially. However, as soon as the bars move out of neutral zone D into zone A, movable bars 52 are moved radially outwardly to contact the yarn free of the xed bars, at which time the movable bars are moved axially in the direction of feed of the yarn advancement over the reel. The cycle of operation is continuously repeated. t

In the instant reel, as the movable bars move radially outwardly to the greater diameter of the reel, the distance between each movable bar increases slightly and, vice versa, decreases as they return to the neutral position on the opposite side. This action more evenly distributes and prevents any concentrated tension differences at the neutral points and reduces the possibility of slippage of the yarn on the bars.

at these points.

The relative rate of rotation between the cams and the reel determines the advancement cycles per revolution of the reel which, in turn, controls the increment of yarn advancement. Though the cams controlling the movable bars were hereinbefore described as rotating in a direction opposite to the yarn advancement, it is to be understood that the cams can be rotated in either direction or remain stationary. When the cams revolve in the same direction as the reel, the yarn advancement increment issmaller than that obtained when the cams rotate in a. direction opposite to the rotation of the reel. When the cams are stationary, the yarn advancement increment is fixed to that of the pitch of the cams. Also, if desired, and by appropriate modications, the main reel axle may be stationary and the bars moved in a circular path thereabout with or without rotation of the cams. Thus, by appropriate relative rates of rotation of the reel and cams, any desired advancement .6 I increment can be obtained.` When the reel is tapered, it is particularly desirable to have the advancement increment as small as possible to prevent tension diierences in the yarn wraps.

In the embodiment described, the yarn-carrying surfaces oi' the bars are parallel to the axis of the reel. The invention is not restricted thereto, since the bars may be tapered to increase or' decrease the tension on the yarn as it advances along the reel.

.The radial rods 60 impart added rigidity to the reel. Though in the preferred form each movable bar cooperates with two radial rods, the invention is not so restricted, since a greater number can be used. Likewise, the yarn bar support need not be of the shape and of the length hereinbefore described. A plurality of spaced supports, one cooperating with each radial rod, can be used.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the reel is so constructed that, by the removal of the outboard bearing I2 and the loosening of the set screws 20 and 40, the entire reel assembly can be slipped oil the shaft IIJ and a replaceable reel slipped on. This is of obvious advantage, especially when replacements have to be made in case of repairs.

The yarn advancement reel herein described can be used for the advancement of yarn alone or while it is being processed by appropriate treating liquids.

The. yarn-bearing surfaces of the bars are made of a material which does not deleteriously affect the yarn and which is inert to the yarnprocessing liquids, if used. It can be made of various materials, such as ceramics, stainless steel, Hastealloy, etc., depending on the reaction of the processing iluids if used.

The casings 92 and 94 can be sectioned longitudinally between each set of radial rods. Such a construction facilitates assembly as Well as makes the inner part of the mechanism more accessible for repairs, as, for example, to any of the radial rods or followers.

The casing 94 serves to seal off the inner part of the reel, and the housing |00 similarly serves.

for the drive mechanism. The portion of the apparatus extending beyond the casingk 94 is made of non-corrosive material.

The reel is intended to be used preferably when the shaft i0 is in a horizontal position. It can be supported at both ends, as herenbefore described,'or at one end by a cantilever support.

The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive and easy-to-operate yarn-advancing apparatus and which can be readily removed for the purpose of repair or replacement as desired.

Since it is obvious that many changes and modications can be made in the above-described details without departing from the nature and spirit of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is notI to be limited thereto except as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A yarn-advancing mechanism comprising a reel having a central reel shaft, two sets of yarnsupporting bars, means to rotate said sets of yam-supporting bars about the center axis of said shaft, one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars being disposed alternately between the yarnsupporting bars of the other set, means xedly securing one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars against radial and axial movement, a plurality of radial rods cooperatively attached to each of the respective yarn-supporting bars of the other of said sets, means to impart radial in-and-out movements to said rods at predetermined times, means to transmit said radial movements of said rods to the respective yarn-supportingbar attached thereto, means to impart rotary movement to said rods at predetermined times, and means to translate the raid rotary movement of the rods to rectilinear movement and impart the same to said bar. A

2. A yam-advancing mechanism comprising a reel having a central reel shaft, two sets of yarnsupporting bars, means to rotate said sets of yarnsupporting bars about the center axis of said shaft, one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars being disposed alternately between the yarnsupporting bars of the other set, means iixedly securing one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars against radial and axial movement, a plurality of radial rods cooperatively attached to each of the respective yarn-supporting bars of the other of said sets, means to impart radial and ,rotary movements to said rods at predetermined times. means to transmit said radial movements of said rods to the respective yarn-supporting bar attached thereto, and means to translate said rotary movement of the rods to rectilinear movement and impart the same to said bar.

3. A yarn-advancing mechanism comprising a reel having a central reel shaft, two sets of yarnsupporting bars, means to rotate said sets of yarnsupporting bars about the center axis of said shaft, one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars being disposed alternately between the yarnsupporting bars of the other set, means iixedly securing one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars against radial and axial movement, each of the respective yarn-supporting bars of the other of said sets being secured to a support, a plurality of radial rods cooperatively attached to each of the respective supports, means to impart radial in-and-out movements to said rods at predetermined times, means to transmit said radial movements of said rods to the respective yarn bar support attached thereto, means to impart rotary movement to said rods at predetermined times, and means to translate said rotary movement of the rods to rectilinear movement and impart the same to said support.

4. A yarn-advancing'mechanism comprising a reel/having a central reel shaft, two sets of yarnsupporting bars, means to rotate said sets of yarnsupporting bars about the center axis of said shaft, one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars being disposed alternately between the yarnsupporting bars of the other set, means ixedly securing one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars against radial and axial movement, each of the respective yarn-supporting bars of the other of said sets being secured to a support, a plurality of radial rods cooperatively attached to each of the respective supports, means to impart radial and rotary movements to said rods at predetermined times, means to transmit said radial movements of said rods to the respectiveY yarn bar support attached thereto, and means to translate said rotary movement of the rods to rectilinear movement and impart the same to said support.

5. A yarn-advancing mechanism comprising a reel having a central reel shaft, two sets oi' yarnsupporting bars, means to rotate said sets ot yarn-supporting bars about the center axis of said shaft, one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars being disposed alternately between the yarn-supporting bars of the other set, means xedly securing one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars against radial and axial movement, each of the respective yarn-supporting bars oi' the other of said sets being secured to a support, a plurality of radial rods cooperatively attached to each of the respective supports. a slotted crank arm carried by each of said rods, said crank arms being disposed beneath the respective support. a crank pin extending through the slot in the respective crank arm and secured to the respective support. and means to impart radial and rotary movements to said rods at predetermined times.

6. A yarn-advancing mechanism comprising a reel having a central reel shaft, two sets of yarnsupporting bars, means to rotate said sets of yarn-supporting bars about the center axis of said shaft, one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars being disposed alternately 'between the yarn-supporting bars of the other set, means xedly securing one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars against radial and axial movement, each of the respective yarn-supporting bars of the other of said sets being secured to a support, a plurality of radial rods cooperatively attached to each of the respective supports, a slotted crank arm on the outer end of each of said rods, said crank arms being disposed beneath the respective support, a crank pin extending through the slot in the respective crank arm and secured to the respective support, and means cooperating with the inner end of said rods to impart radial and rotary movements thereto at predetermined times.

7. A yarn-advancing mechanism comprising a reel having a central reel shaft, two sets of yarnsupporting bars, means to rotate said sets of yarn-supporting bars about the center axis of said shaft, one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars being disposed alternately between the yarn-supporting bars of the other set, means fixedly securing one of said sets of yarn-supporting bars against radial and axial movement. each of the respective yarn-supporting bars of the otherof said sets being secured to a support, a plurality of radial rods cooperatively attached to each l of the respective supports. a slotted crank arm on the outer end of each of said rods, said crank arms being disposed beneath the respective support, a crank pin extending through the slot in the respective crank arm and secured to the respective support, a cam follower on the inner end of each of said radial rods, each of said cam followers being offset with respect; to the longitudinal axis of the respective rod carrying the same, and cam means cooperating with said cam follower to impart radial and rotary movements to each of said rods at predetermined times.

ROBERT W. STONE.

Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,429,534. October 21, 1947. l

ROBERT W. STONE It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Column 7, line 7, claim 1, for raid read seid; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofice.

Signed and sealed this 30th day of December, A. D. 1947.

[SEAL] THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Gommz'ss'ioner of Patents. 

